asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his efforts to bring about the sale of the Maize Mills of Messrs. Foley, Bandon, as a going concern, have been in vain, and if these mills have to be finally closed down will he be able to offer any assurance of suitable alternative employment to the sixty hands disemployed in that concern.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bandon Maize Mills and Co-Operative Stores.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the Bandon Co-operative Society, Ltd., which had a wages bill of £130 weekly, has closed down, disemploying 65 employees; if he will state if he proposes to take any further steps to secure the reopening of the business or, failing this action, any steps to have an industry established in the town.
I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.
I regret to say the efforts made to secure the continued operation of the mill referred to have up to the present proved unsuccessful. The mill is, I understand, offered for sale and there is no reason to believe that it may not be purchased. In view, however, of the unemployment position in Bandon, which has been aggravated by the closing of the mill, I am having the possibility of providing employment in that town examined, and no available opportunity will be missed of directing the attention of interested parties to the facilities there available for industrial enterprises.
Has the Minister any information at his disposal indicating why this mill has been forced to close down?
The mill has not been forced to close down. It has been closed by the proprietor, who, I understand, is ill, and who has been unable to make any arrangements for the carrying on of the business.